Freeztar,
One of the main people on this site (erich) has a great post on the surface area of charcoal.
Quote:
The reason TP has elicited such interest on the horticultural side of it's benefits is this one static:
1 gram of charcoal cooked to 650C has a surface area of 400m2, now for conversion fun;
One ton of charcoal has a surface area of 400,000 Acres!! which is equal to 625 square miles!!
Now at a field application rate of 2 lbs/sq ft (which equals 1000 sqft/ton) or 43 tons/acre, this yields 26,000 Sq miles of surface area per Acre.
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I have also read that the size of charcoal dosen't make that much difference (within reason of course), and that roots grow around charcoal pieces and even into them!
Here is a list of references that I give out when I talk about Terra Preta. These are the best sites/articles that I have found.
Terra Preta
Articles, Links, and References
Randy Black 605-574-2884,
rblack@hillcity.k12.sd.us
Introductory Information
Cornell University Johannes Lehmann is one of the major researchers in Terra Preta technology, history, and applications.
Terra Preta home
Delta Farm Press History of Terra Preta and interview with Johannes Lehmann
Terra preta: unearthing an agricultural goldmine
British Broadcasting Company A program summery of a documentary on Terra Preta
BBC - Science & Nature - Horizon - The Secret of El Dorado
Nature Magazine Article Black is the New Green, August 2006. Most high profile article on Terra Preta to date. (Long address but you save a $30 subscription fee!) You have to copy and paste this link to get access.
http://www.css.cornell.edu/faculty/l...%20624-626.pdf
Research Articles/Websites
18th World Conference of Soil Science 40 or more abstracts of paper presentations on Terra Preta and Biochar. The most up to date information and research available. Just type in search words and go.
The 18th World Congress of Soil Science (July 9-15, 2006)
Charcoal as a Potential Tool for Land and Water Remediation Excellent article for the relationships between charcoal and microbial life.
Charcoal as a Potential Tool for Land and Water Remediation
Amazonian Dark Earths A good referenced article by Natasha Celine summing up the history, properties, and uses of Terra Preta including carbon sequestration
Amazonian Dark Earths by Natasha Celine conservation, forest, slash and burn | Gather
Ameliorating Physical and Chemical Properties of Highly Weathered Soils in the Tropics with Charcoal a Review by Bruno Glasser. This is a great article on the documented science associated with Terra Preta soils. This is not available online but I can send you a copy
rblack@hillcity.k12.sd.us
Nutrient Availability and Leaching in an Archaeological Anthrosol and Ferralsol of the Central Amazon Basin: Fertilizer, Manure and Charcoal Amendments by Johannes Lehmann. The best referenced article on the application of charcoal in creating Terra Preta soils. You have to copy and paste this address to get access.
http://www.css.cornell.edu/faculty/l...%20Lehmann.pdf
Biochar Information
Cornell University website for introductory information on biochar
Biochar home
Slash and Char: A Feasible Alternative for Soil Fertility Management in the Central Amazon by Johannes Lehmann. Good science on the application of biochar and its affects on soil. You have to copy and paste this link to get access.
http://www.css.cornell.edu/faculty/l...%20no.0449.pdf
Online Information Sites
Hypography Science Forums Online website where you can ask questions (Quality information sign up is free), about Terra Preta. These are people who are growing, using, and sharing their knowledge of Terra Preta, websites, and related material.
http://hypography.com/forums/earth-s...rra-preta.html
Terra Preta Discussions Forum Another good sites with quality information on all aspects of Terra Preta
terrapreta@bioenergylists.org
Anthropology
Historical contingencies in the coevolution of environment and livelihood: contributions to the debate on Amazonian Black Earth. Laura A German Good article for Terra Preta background and current usage in the Amazon
http://www.soils.wisc.edu/soils/cour...emplary(A).pdf
Ceramic Artifacts in Terra Preta Soils Long technical article but the only one that addresses ceramics in Terra Preta.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/aa/v34n2/v34n2a03.pdf
Soil Science
Humus: Still a Mystery Great article on humus and its importance to the soil
NOFA Interstate Council: The Natural Farmer. Humus. Paul Sachs
University of Massachusetts Best most concise articles on soil structure, texture, and soil science basics.
UMass Extension Vegetable Program - Soil & Nutrient Management
Cation Exchange Capacity Good short article on this subject
Cation Exchange Capacity
This of course is not even 10% of what is out there. If you google on enough topics you can find slide shows, intense journal articles, and more stuff than you can look at.
Good Luck,
RB
PS Some of these address didn't transfer well but just google and you can find them quick.
